SHAY Given is at the “top of my game” and intends to improve with age at Villa after the renewed spring in his step frustrated former club Newcastle.

Given rolled back the years with a series of superb stops, including a match-saving stretch to deny Yohan Cabaye in his first appearance against the Magpies.

“I am delighted with my own form,” said the 35-year-old goalkeeper. “I never doubted myself. I feel on top of my game and that is important. I am playing as well as ever.

“They say goalkeepers get better with age and hopefully that will be the case with me.

“It is important to be playing regularly. I am just delighted to be out there. Aston Villa is a great club and I am really happy to be here.”

Given was pleased with his reception from the Newcastle fans and hopes to make a similarly positive impression on the Villa supporters.

“I had 12 great years at Newcastle and some great memories and still some great friends,” he said. “This is the first time I’ve played against them.

“I’ve some great memories of playing for them and even when I came out for the second half the fans gave me a great reception and I thank them for that. I am now an Aston Villa player and I am trying to impress a new set of fans. Hopefully I will do that with my performances.”

On the save from Cabaye, which preserved a point for Villa late on in the game, Given added: “When he hit it I thought I was in a bit of trouble.

“Luckily enough I had got a strong enough spring in my legs and strong enough hand to get it around the post.”